#kc_necropolis

"I already like....bawled out Jarrod, like....for magicking in front of Jade. And Rain-girl didn't know better." His eyes half open, looking at the ceiling* "But it was at Jarrod's house, right? So like...doesn't mean everyone there is magic, right?"

"It doesn't, no."

"So Rain-girl came with me, man. And there was magic. Doesn't mean she did it."

"Or you could tell the truth, Luke."

"I made promises, chica. I can't."

"Because Sassy is your sister, and she cares about you."

"And if she figures it out? What then?"

"I swore, like...not to tell anyone. When I first got there."

"Then I have to hide it, like...undo it. Because it's my fault."

"Like hiding us. I'm doing all I can, man. And I didn't even swear to that, you know? Like I did, to...hide them."

"Jarrod sure doesn't seem to mind about secrets."

"I can't help what he does, chica. He didn't promise. I did."

"So I CAN'T tell, and like....have to find a way to...not let them know. And if that means, like...if they find out, I have to, like. Leave, I guess."

"Sassy's been wanting to talk to me, and like...I've avoided her for a month. Because I can't lie for shit, but I have to."

"I don't know what to tell you, Luke."

"I don't know, chica. But it hurts, man." He blinks at the ceiling, sad-eyed. And then he closes them again* "Why didn't you finish the mural, Bird?"

She pulls away from the window, fingertips grazing against the pencil marks. They are smudged, worn from weeks of neglect. She shakes her head.

"Can't."

"Why not?"

"Had to... had important things to do. Busy."

"Yeah?"

She presses a hand against her stomach, wings drooping. "Yeah. "

She swipes her hand over the pencil marks, smudging them away. She turns to the sink, and fills a glass at the tap.

"So why do you look so bummed out, chica?" He pushes up, scoots over, sighing*

"Just tired. Been tired. Adrenaline crash."

"Is it work?"

"When did you start carrying swords?"

"After my wing healed up. Don't want to get caught out."

"Good thing I had it, too."

"Guess so." He doesn't sound convinced*

"I'm more careful. Make sure I pay attention."

"Come sit down here?" He pats the futon where he scooted over*

She hesitates, then crosses over. She holds her glass of water with both hands.

"I'm not stupid, chica." Not accusingly, but wearily, maybe* "Like, I can see we're both being like....fucked over ragged by shit. If you tell me, like...maybe we can help each other, man."

"I beat him. It'll be fine now, right?"

He doesn't answer, a pained frown creasing his face momentarily*

"Except there will be another, and another."

"I can't....get involved, if I see one, you know. Not if....yeah."

"I have a duty."

"Did you, like....swear to someone, chica?" His head rolls to look over at her; his pale eyes still red-rimmed*

"Are you a Knight or something, now?"

"I'm a Liam, aren't I? I'm no.. I haven't sworn to the house. I... I didn't, not after my Fior, not when it came out."

"But Liam have a duty. To protect mortals. To protect the dream. Put duty before everything else."

"And... nobody needs..." She looks over at the window, then drops her gaze. "they need somebody to defend them. To fight,"

"Guess you can't do both?" Following her gaze*

"Been, like...looking for your murals, chica."

"Haven't seen any new ones."

She swallows and shakes her head. "Can't."

"Why not?"

Looking back, curious*